JESUIT CENTER

A home that nurtures the spirituality of Jesuit priests and brothers; a collaborative workspace that invites Ignatian discernment; and a thriving apostolic center that will inspire Jesuits and their colleagues to discover even greater ways to respond to the changing needs of God’s people.

For centuries, the Society of Jesus, inspired by St. Ignatius Loyola, has responded to the call of Christ to proclaim the Word of God with responsiveness and flexibility. These remain important tenets in the lives of Jesuits today, who continue the important mission of helping men and women of all ages to experience lives of faith, hope and love.

An Exceptional Fundraising Effort

Continuing this vital mission—the service of faith that does justice—the USA Northeast Province proposes an exceptional fundraising effort—the first of its type in our region —to address critical improvements:

Maximize our response to the critical needs of our pastoral, educational and ministerial outreach by creating The Jesuit Center, on New York City’s 83rd Street. This will serve as a thriving apostolic center that connects Jesuit works throughout our region and will be the future home of more than 40 staff members who will oversee Jesuit ministries from Maine to Georgia.

Provide improvements to the living quarters of Jesuits living in the St. Ignatius Loyola Community, within this same complex, establishing a suitable home for 20 priests, brothers and scholastics who serve in a wide range of ministries.

The Jesuit Center

The Jesuit Center will allow Jesuits and lay colleagues to respond to ministerial needs in creative and effective ways, fostering the increased collaboration that will enable Jesuit works throughout our region to continue to thrive.

To provide Jesuits with a home where they can live simply and remain faithful to the call to serve, the Center will include an ambitious renovation of the residence located at 53 East 83rd Street. This space will include 16 new bedrooms, living and dining spaces, and a chapel. The project will also include seven conference center guest suites for visiting Jesuits and colleagues, alleviating unnecessary travel expenses. These vital improvements are intended to help Jesuits enjoy an environment that draws on the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality and reflection.

The St. Ignatius Loyola Jesuit Community

Jesuit priests and brothers are called to live in community—to pray together, to share their ideas, hopes and plans, and to care for and support one another. To provide them with a home where they can live simply and remain faithful to the call to serve wherever they are needed, the Jesuit Center project includes an ambitious renovation of the present St. Ignatius Loyola residence, located at 53 East 83 Street.

The building is more than 60 years old and is deteriorating rapidly. At its peak, up to 60 people lived in the six-story residence, which included just one bathroom area per floor. Built for a different way of Jesuit life, a major reconfiguration is needed to support a vibrant, prayerful and welcoming Jesuit community.

The removed space will include 16 new bedrooms, living and dining spaces, and a chapel. The project will also include seven conference center guest suites for visiting Jesuits and colleagues, alleviating unnecessary travel expenses. These vital improvements are intended to help Jesuits enjoy an environment that draws on the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality and reflection.

Today, the demands on Jesuits are greater than ever. Priests, brothers and scholastics need a place they call home—to gather for prayer and meals, and to celebrate the Eucharist. More importantly, a home, for Jesuits, is a setting to strengthen relationships with one another and to decompress, oftentimes in the midst of urgent and emotionally challenging work.

Whether a person entering the Jesuit Center comes considering a vocation or helping to shape the future of our apostolates, each will find this new location to be a welcoming home and an environment inviting all to a discernment, while providing a real encounter with God and the Society of Jesus.